Kickstarter Cancels New Project Rules After Creator Uproar

Kickstarter reversed its new project rules just days after they were announced, following strong criticism from its community.
By Newsroom | Business, Technology |

Kickstarter has pulled back its recently announced policy update that would have restricted the types of projects creators could feature. The crowdfunding platform faced a swift and widespread backlash from its user base following the policy's unveiling on May 15th. The change, which was intended to address concerns about the platform's scope, appears to have been abandoned just days after its introduction.

The core of the controversy revolved around Kickstarter's move to disallow projects that didn't fit into categories like "Art," "Comics," "Design," "Film & Video," "Games," "Music," and "Technology." This broad interpretation, which implicitly or explicitly excluded many types of creative endeavors, triggered a vocal response from creators and backers alike.

The platform's stated aim was to maintain a focus on "original creative projects." However, the implementation of this policy led to widespread confusion and alarm. Many users expressed concerns that the new rules were overly restrictive and would stifle innovation and diversity on the platform. The immediate reaction suggests a significant disconnect between Kickstarter's intentions and the community's perception of its mission.

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Details regarding the specific language of the retracted policy or any official communication from Kickstarter executives beyond a brief acknowledgment of the public response remain scarce. The speed at which the platform reversed its decision points to the intensity of the outcry.

Background: Kickstarter, established in 2009, has long been a significant platform for independent creators seeking funding for a wide array of projects, from art installations and board games to technological prototypes and independent films. Its business model relies on a percentage of funds raised for successful projects. The platform's content policies have periodically been subject to debate, but this recent, rapid reversal highlights a particularly sensitive moment in its relationship with its community.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Kickstarter cancel its new project rules?
Kickstarter cancelled its new rules because creators and users strongly disagreed with them. The rules would have limited the types of projects allowed on the platform.
Q: What were the new Kickstarter rules about?
The new rules, announced on May 15th, would have only allowed projects in categories like Art, Comics, Design, Film, Games, Music, and Technology. Many people felt this was too narrow.
Q: Who was affected by the new Kickstarter rules?
Creators who wanted to fund projects outside of the listed categories were affected. Backers who supported diverse projects were also concerned.
Q: What happens next for Kickstarter projects?
All types of projects can still be funded on Kickstarter. The platform has listened to its community and will not be enforcing the restrictive policy.
Q: When were the new Kickstarter rules announced and then cancelled?
The new rules were announced on May 15th and were cancelled just a few days later due to public backlash.